Deal to end government shutdown in reach

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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen departs a Democratic luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 6.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen departs a Democratic luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 6. Photo: Eric Lee/Getty Images

A handful of Senate Democrats on Sunday indicated they are ready to advance a package of bills that could end the government shutdown, multiple sources told Axios.

Why it matters: It is the most significant movement toward a bipartisan breakthrough in the talks to reopen the government in over a month.

  • At least 10 Senate Democrats are poised to support a procedural motion to advance a package of spending bills and a short-term funding measure through the end of January, multiple sources from both parties told Axios.
  • The deal includes a December vote on a Democratic proposal to extend ACA tax credits for one year, multiple sources said. It would take 60 votes to pass.
  • It also includes language aimed at providing assistance to federal employees who were laid off during the shutdown, as well as a provision to fund SNAP benefits through Sept. 30.

While no deal is final until lawmakers have voted, the agreement could end weeks of deadlock in the Senate.

The big picture: Senators are in Washington for a rare weekend session, and are on track to vote Sunday on a procedural motion on a government funding package.

  • Lawmakers have been asked to return to Washington on Sunday if they left town.
  • And the long-awaited text of the three appropriations bills that lawmakers hope to include in the deal was released Sunday afternoon.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.